Professor of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Linguistics at the University of Washington; Author of The Neuroscience of You: How Every Brain is Different and How to Understand Yours
Chantel Prat’s award-winning research challenges the “one size fits all” approach to neuroscience that has dominated the field for over a century, providing the data to help understand how different brains learn, problem solve, and make decisions.
Chantel Prat’s award-winning research challenges the “one size fits all” approach to neuroscience that has dominated the field for over a century. Her work, funded by the Office of Naval Research, the W. M. Keck Foundation, and the National Institute of Health, provides the data for improving our understanding of something we all observe on a daily basis — that not everyone works the same.
Over the past 25 years, Dr. Prat has been a leader and innovator in individual differences research, studying the costs and benefits of different types of information processing in the brain. From how we learn to communicate, to how we reason, problem-solve, and respond to surprises and disappointments, Chantel’s research provides a mechanistic understanding of why we all think, feel, and behave a bit differently.
“It’s hard to imagine how someone could truly understand themselves without knowing how their brain gives rise to their unique ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving.”
Dr. Chantel prat
Chantel is also a world-renowned science communicator and thought leader. She is the author of the new book The Neuroscience of You: How Every Brain is Different and How to Understand Yours. She has spoken internationally at events such as The World Science Festival, has appeared on dozens of podcasts and radio shows, and is featured in the documentary film ‘I am Human’.
Chantel Prat on Maximizing Success by Learning Differently
Chantel Prat on How Different Brains Work
Chantel Prat on Understanding Different Perspectives
Chantel Prat on Curiosity Research
Chantel Prat’s Speech Topics
Neurodiversity, Wellness, and Inclusion in the Workplace
As awareness of neurodiversity rises, many adults are learning that aspects of their behavior previously viewed as “character flaws” might be better understood as a mismatch between the way their brains work and the tasks that they’re being asked to do. What are the “one-size-fits-all” assumptions of how people think, feel, and behave that are built into your work culture? With over twenty-five years of research experience on the topic, Chantel Prat discusses some of the most common differences between brains, and how acknowledging and supporting these differences can create more inclusive, collaborative, and productive work environments.
Where Does Curiosity Come From?
If Chantel were to scan your brain in this moment, she would be able to tell you—with pretty high confidence—both how curious you are about what she’s saying, and whether or not you are likely to remember it later. This is because the feeling of curiosity is driven by a particular brain state—one that anticipates “information rewards” in its future. But remember what happened to the curious cat? Though some brains are more curious than others, on average, every brain has a system for evaluating whether it’s time to explore, or whether seeking new information might get them into trouble.
What other organizations say about Chantel Prat
We intently searched for someone who could speak to the nexus of brain science and behavior; someone who could help us understand the ways our brain chemistry impacts our life experiences. Our entire community is so happy to have had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Chantel Prat. Her knowledge, insight and engaging presentation, splashed with a dash of humor, proved to be an enriching experience. We are proud she is a member of the Generation W community and highly recommend her as a speaker.